Problem-based learning - is it right for Sri Lanka?

Paper

Macan Markar, Deborah, Madurapperuma, Ajith and Maroulis, Jerry. 2006. "Problem-based learning - is it right for Sri Lanka?" Asia-Pacific Educational Research Association Conference (APERA 2006): Educational Research, Policy, and Practice in an Era of Globalization: The Asia Pacific Perspectives and Beyond. Hong Kong, China 28 - 30 Nov 2006 Hong Kong.
Paper/Presentation Title

Problem-based learning - is it right for Sri Lanka?

Presentation TypePaper
AuthorsMacan Markar, Deborah (Author), Madurapperuma, Ajith (Author) and Maroulis, Jerry (Author)
Journal or Proceedings TitlePrcoeedings of the Asia-Pacific Educational Research Association Conference ( (APERA 2006)
Number of Pages24
Year2006
Place of PublicationHong Kong
Web Address (URL) of Paperhttp://www.ied.edu.hk/apera2006
Conference/EventAsia-Pacific Educational Research Association Conference (APERA 2006): Educational Research, Policy, and Practice in an Era of Globalization: The Asia Pacific Perspectives and Beyond
Event Details
Asia-Pacific Educational Research Association Conference (APERA 2006): Educational Research, Policy, and Practice in an Era of Globalization: The Asia Pacific Perspectives and Beyond
Event Date
28 to end of 30 Nov 2006
Event Location
Hong Kong, China
Abstract

Employers in the ICT sector in Sri Lanka are concerned about the soft skills of the graduates they employ. The training sector is aware of their concerns but find it challenging to nurture the appropriate skills and attitudes in students used to traditional, teacher-centred learning environments. Elsewhere in the world, problem-based learning has provided a solution for similar scenarios. However the learning environment in the Sri Lankan university sector challenges some of the basic assumptions generally made in implementing PBL i.e. that there will be free and open dialogue between students, that student teams will recognise each other as equal peers, that facilities to accommodate small group work can be made available. This paper describes a partially successful venture to introduce PBL to the public university system in Sri Lanka and identifies modifications that need to be made to the model in future implementations.

Keywordsproblem-based learning; PBL; soft skills; tertiary education; Sri Lanka
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020390303. Higher education
390102. Curriculum and pedagogy theory and development
Public Notes

No indication of copyright restrictions.

Byline AffiliationsFaculty of Business
University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Faculty of Education
Permalink -

https://research.usq.edu.au/item/9zx61/problem-based-learning-is-it-right-for-sri-lanka

Log in to edit

Download files

Published Version
Macan-Markar_Madurapperuma_Maroulis_2006_AV.pdf
File access level: Anyone

  • 2537
    total views
  • 407
    total downloads
  • 4
    views this month
  • 3
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Assessing the COVID-19 impacts on the coffee industry in Laos: An input–output modelling approach
Phimmavong, Somvang, Keenan, Rodney J., Phimmavong, Viengvilay, Maroulis, Jerry and Maraseni, Tek. 2023. "Assessing the COVID-19 impacts on the coffee industry in Laos: An input–output modelling approach." Cogent Economics and Finance. 11 (2). https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2023.2250692
Transformations accompanying a shift from surface to drip irrigation in the Cànyoles Watershed, Valencia, Spain
Sese-Minguez, Saioa, Boesveld, Harm, Asins-Velis, Sabina, van der Kooij, Saskia and Maroulis, Jerry. 2017. "Transformations accompanying a shift from surface to drip irrigation in the Cànyoles Watershed, Valencia, Spain." Water Alternatives: an interdisciplinary journal on water, politics and development. 10 (1), pp. 81-99.
Dynamism of household carbon emissions (HCEs) from rural and urban regions of northern and southern China
Maraseni, Tek Narayan, Qu, Jiansheng, Yue, Bian, Zeng, Jingjing and Maroulis, Jerry. 2016. "Dynamism of household carbon emissions (HCEs) from rural and urban regions of northern and southern China." Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 23 (20), pp. 20553-20566. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-016-7237-5
Healthy soils: a prerequisite for sustainable food security
Rojas, Ronald Vargas, Achouri, Moujahed, Maroulis, Jerry and Caon, Lucrezia. 2016. "Healthy soils: a prerequisite for sustainable food security." Environmental Earth Sciences. 75 (3), p. 180. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-015-5099-7
Projected impact of climate change on hydrological regimes in the Philippines
Tolentino, Pamela Louise M., Poortinga, Ate, Kanamaru, Hideki, Keesstra, Saskia, Maroulis, Jerry, David, Carlos Primo C. and Ritsema, Coen J.. 2016. "Projected impact of climate change on hydrological regimes in the Philippines." PLoS One. 11 (10), pp. 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0163941
The influence of fire history, plant species and post-fire management on soil water repellency in a Mediterranean catchment: the Mount Carmel range, Israel
Keesstra, Saskia, Wittenberg, Lea, Maroulis, Jerry, Sambalino, Francesco, Malkinson, Dan, Cerda, Artemi and Pereira, Paulo. 2017. "The influence of fire history, plant species and post-fire management on soil water repellency in a Mediterranean catchment: the Mount Carmel range, Israel." Catena. 149 (3), pp. 857-866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2016.04.006
A conceptual connectivity framework for understanding geomorphic change in human-impacted fluvial systems
Poeppl, Ronald E., Keesstra, Saskia D. and Maroulis, Jerry. 2017. "A conceptual connectivity framework for understanding geomorphic change in human-impacted fluvial systems." Geomorphology. 277, pp. 237-250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2016.07.033
Reducing Sediment Connectivity Through man‐Made and Natural Sediment Sinks in the Minizr Catchment, Northwest Ethiopia
Mekonnen, Mulatie, Keesstra, Saskia D., Baartman, Jantiene E. M., Stroosnijder, Leo and Maroulis, Jerry. 2017. "Reducing Sediment Connectivity Through man‐Made and Natural Sediment Sinks in the Minizr Catchment, Northwest Ethiopia." Land Degradation and Development. 28 (2), pp. 708-717. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.2629
Soil conservation through sediment trapping: a review
Mekonnen, Mulatie, Keesstra, Saskia D., Stroosnijder, Leo, Baartman, Jantiene E. M. and Maroulis, Jerry. 2015. "Soil conservation through sediment trapping: a review." Land Degradation and Development. 26 (6), pp. 544-556. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.2308
Adapting to climate variability: the views of peasant farmers in Nepal
Chalise, Sudarshan, Maraseni, Tek Narayan and Maroulis, Jerry. 2015. "Adapting to climate variability: the views of peasant farmers in Nepal." International Journal of Global Warming. 7 (3), pp. 380-394. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJGW.2015.069369
Distinguishing the impacts of human activities and climate variability on runoff and sediment load change based on paired periods with similar weather conditions: a case in the Yan River, China
Wang, Fei, Hessel, Rudi, Mu, Xingmin, Maroulis, Jerry, Zhao, Guangju, Geissen, Violette and Ritsema, Coen. 2015. "Distinguishing the impacts of human activities and climate variability on runoff and sediment load change based on paired periods with similar weather conditions: a case in the Yan River, China." Journal of Hydrology. 527, pp. 884-893. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2015.05.037
Assessing riparian zone impacts on water and sediment movement: a new approach
Keesstra, S. D., Kondrlova, E., Czajka, A., Seeger, M. and Maroulis, J.. 2012. "Assessing riparian zone impacts on water and sediment movement: a new approach." Netherlands Journal of Geosciences. 91 (1/2), pp. 245-255. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016774600001633
The economic value of improved agrometeorological information to irrigators amid climate variability
Mushtaq, Shahbaz, Chen, Charlie, Hafeez, Mohsin, Maroulis, Jerry and Gabriel, Hamza. 2012. "The economic value of improved agrometeorological information to irrigators amid climate variability." International Journal of Climatology. 32 (4), pp. 567-581. https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.2015
Implementing problem-based learning in software engineering in a Sri Lankan University
Macan Markar, Deborah. 2010. Implementing problem-based learning in software engineering in a Sri Lankan University. PhD Thesis Doctor of Philosophy. University of Southern Queensland.
Anastomosing river sedimentation in the Channel Country of central Australia
Gibling, Martin R., Nanson, Gerald C. and Maroulis, Jerry C.. 1998. "Anastomosing river sedimentation in the Channel Country of central Australia." Sedimentology. 45 (3), pp. 595-619. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-3091.1998.00163.x
Preparedness for flexible access to learning materials: how ready are university students and staff?
Albion, Peter, Loch, Birgit, Mula, Joseph M. and Maroulis, Jerry. 2010. "Preparedness for flexible access to learning materials: how ready are university students and staff?" Steel, Caroline, Keppell, Michael, Gerbic, Philippa and Housego, Simon (ed.) 27th Annual Conference of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE 2010). Sydney, Australia 05 - 08 Dec 2010 Brisbane, Australia.
Freshwater recharge into a shallow saline groundwater system, Cooper Creek floodplain, Queensland, Australia
Cendon, Dioni I., Larsen, Joshua R., Jones, Brian G., Nanson, Gerald C., Rickleman, Daniel, Hankin, Stuart I., Pueyo, Juan J. and Maroulis, Jerry. 2010. "Freshwater recharge into a shallow saline groundwater system, Cooper Creek floodplain, Queensland, Australia." Journal of Hydrology. 392 (3-4), pp. 150-163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydrol.2010.08.003
Patterns in student and staff access to, and attitudes towards usefulness of, ICT in an Australian University
Albion, Peter, Maroulis, Jerry and Jamieson-Proctor, Romina. 2010. "Patterns in student and staff access to, and attitudes towards usefulness of, ICT in an Australian University." Yusof, Khairiyah (ed.) 3rd Regional Conference on Engineering Education (RCEE 2010) & Research in Higher Education 2010 (RHEd 2010). Sarawak, Malaysia Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
An assessment of greenhouse gas emissions: implications for the Australian cotton industry
Maraseni, T. N., Cockfield, G. and Maroulis, J.. 2010. "An assessment of greenhouse gas emissions: implications for the Australian cotton industry." The Journal of Agricultural Science. 148 (5), pp. 501-510. https://doi.org/10.1017/S002185960999058X
Analysing the levels of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions from land use, land use change and forestry activities on Annex I countries ability to meet Kyoto targets
Maraseni, Tek Narayan, Maroulis, Jerry and Nooriafshar, Mehryar. 2010. "Analysing the levels of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions from land use, land use change and forestry activities on Annex I countries ability to meet Kyoto targets." International Journal of Environment and Pollution. 42 (4), pp. 301-316. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJEP.2010.035346
An assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from the Australian vegetables industry
Maraseni, Tek N., Cockfield, Geoff, Maroulis, Jerry and Chen, Guangnan. 2010. "An assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from the Australian vegetables industry." Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part B: Pesticides, Food Contaminants, and Agricultural Wastes. 45 (6), pp. 578-588. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601234.2010.493497
An assessment of silvipasture potential in southeast Queensland, Australia
Maraseni, Tek N., Cockfield, Geoff and Maroulis, Jerry. 2009. "An assessment of silvipasture potential in southeast Queensland, Australia." Australasian Journal of Regional Studies. 15 (3), pp. 297-310.
Greenhouse gas implications of water reuse in the Upper Pumpanga River Integrated Irrigation System, Philippines
Maraseni, Tek Narayan, Mushtaq, Shahbaz, Hafeez, Mohsin and Maroulis, Jerry. 2010. "Greenhouse gas implications of water reuse in the Upper Pumpanga River Integrated Irrigation System, Philippines." Agricultural Water Management. 97 (3), pp. 382-388. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2009.10.007
An analysis of Australia's carbon pollution reduction scheme
Maraseni, Tek Narayan, Maroulis, Jerry and Cockfield, Geoff. 2009. "An analysis of Australia's carbon pollution reduction scheme." International Journal of Environmental Studies. 66 (5), pp. 591-603. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207230902916190
Energy and water tradeoffs in enhancing food security: a selective international assessment
Mushtaq, Shahbaz, Maraseni, Tek Narayan, Maroulis, Jerry and Hafeez, Mohsin. 2009. "Energy and water tradeoffs in enhancing food security: a selective international assessment." Energy Policy. 37 (9), pp. 3635-3644. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2009.04.030
Greenhouse gas emissions from rice farming inputs: a cross-country assessment
Maraseni, T. N., Mushtaq, S. and Maroulis, J.. 2009. "Greenhouse gas emissions from rice farming inputs: a cross-country assessment." The Journal of Agricultural Science. 147 (2), pp. 117-126. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0021859608008411
An analysis of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions status of Annex I countries: can they meet Kyoto targets?
Maraseni, Tek N., Maroulis, Jerry and Nooriafshar, Mehryar. 2008. "An analysis of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions status of Annex I countries: can they meet Kyoto targets?" Australasian Journal of Business and Behavioural Sciences. 3 (2), pp. 3-15.
Comparing and predicting soil carbon quantities under different land use systems on the red ferrosol soils of southeast Queensland
Maraseni, Tek Narayan, Mathers, Nicole J., Harms, Ben, Cockfield, Geoff, Apan, Armando and Maroulis, Jerry. 2008. "Comparing and predicting soil carbon quantities under different land use systems on the red ferrosol soils of southeast Queensland." Journal of Soil and Water Conservation. 63 (4), pp. 250-256. https://doi.org/10.2489/jswc.63.4.250
Alluvial evidence for major climate and flow regime changes during the middle and late Quaternary in eastern central Australia
Nanson, Gerald C., Price, David M., Jones, Brian G., Maroulis, Jerry C., Coleman, Maria, Bowman, Hugo, Cohen, Timothy J., Pietsch, Timothy J. and Larsen, Joshua R.. 2008. "Alluvial evidence for major climate and flow regime changes during the middle and late Quaternary in eastern central Australia." Geomorphology. 101 (1-2), pp. 109-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2008.05.032
Piggery: from environmental pollution to a climate change solution
Maraseni, Tek N. and Maroulis, Jerry. 2008. "Piggery: from environmental pollution to a climate change solution." Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part B: Pesticides, Food Contaminants, and Agricultural Wastes. 43 (4), pp. 358-363. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601230801941717
An estimation of willingness to pay for asparagus (Asparagus racemosus Willd.) collectors in Makawanpur District, Nepal
Maraseni, T. N., Maroulis, J. and Cockfield, G.. 2008. "An estimation of willingness to pay for asparagus (Asparagus racemosus Willd.) collectors in Makawanpur District, Nepal." Journal of Forest Science: Prague. 54 (3), pp. 131-137.
Effective assessment practices in an inquiry-based science and technology education course in an Australian teacher education program
Maroulis, Jerry. 2007. "Effective assessment practices in an inquiry-based science and technology education course in an Australian teacher education program." Carlsen, Roger, McFerrin, Karen, Price, Jerry D., Weber, Roberta and Willis, Dee Anna (ed.) 18th International Conference of the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education (SITE 2007). San Antonio, United States 26 - 30 Mar 2007 Chesapeake, VA, USA.
Aeolian-fluvial interaction and climate change: source-bordering dune development over the past ~100 ka on Cooper Creek, central Australia
Maroulis, Jerry C., Nanson, Gerald C., Price, David M. and Pietsch, Tim. 2007. "Aeolian-fluvial interaction and climate change: source-bordering dune development over the past ~100 ka on Cooper Creek, central Australia." Quaternary Science Reviews: the international multidisciplinary research and review journal. 26 (3-4), pp. 386-404. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2006.08.010
Blurring of the boundaries: innovative online pedagogical practices in an Australian faculty of education
Maroulis, Jerry and Reushle, Shirley. 2005. "Blurring of the boundaries: innovative online pedagogical practices in an Australian faculty of education." 17th ODLAA Conference: Breaking the Boundaries: The International Experience in Open, Distance and Flexible Education. Adelaide, Australia 09 - 11 Nov 2005 Adelaide, South Australia.
Intentions vs reality: preservice teachers' ICT integration during professional experience
Redmond, Petrea, Albion, Peter and Maroulis, Jerry. 2005. "Intentions vs reality: preservice teachers' ICT integration during professional experience." Crawford, Caroline, Carlsen, Roger, Gibson, Ian, McFerrin, Karen, Price, Jerry D., Weber, Roberta and Willis, Dee Anna (ed.) 16th International Conference of the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education (SITE 2005). Phoenix, United States 01 - 05 Mar 2005 Norfolk, VA.
Online pedagogical practices in the Faculty of Education at the University of Southern Queensland
Kehrwald, Ben, Reushle, Shirley, Redmond, Petrea, Cleary, Kaye, Albion, Peter and Maroulis, Jerry. 2005. Online pedagogical practices in the Faculty of Education at the University of Southern Queensland. Toowoomba, Australia. University of Southern Queensland.